Ladder step



J. H. MOTT LADDER STEP Dec. 9, 1947.

Filed July 22, 1946 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 zwzzzvrox,

' ATTORNEYS Dec. 9, 1947.

J. H. MQT

LADDER STEP Filed July 22, 1946 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Fre.5. F166, v

. 8% H INlfENTOR,

I ATTORNEYS Patented Dec. 9, 1947 UNITED STATES PATENT GFFICE.

LADDER STEP John Howard Mott, Topeka, Kans.

Application July 22, 1946, Serial No. 685,465

4 Claims.

This invention relates to a ladder step.

An object of the invention is the construction of a novel and efficient device to be applied to a standard ladder whereby a person using a ladder equipped with the device will not become tired by having aching feet and limbs.

Another object of the invention is the construction of a simple and efficient device which is very stable and durable, resulting in a long life for the device.

A still further object of the invention is the construction of a device which is connected or mounted on three rungs of a standard ladder, whereby the device is securely retained in position without any opportunity of becoming dislodged accidentally.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, my invention comprises certain novel constructions, combinations, and arrangements of parts as will be hereinafter fully described, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and more particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

In the drawings:

Figure l is a fragmentary vertical sectional view of an ordinary or standard ladder, showing in vertical central section a device applied thereto in accordance with the present invention, while,

Figure 2 is a view in front elevation thereof.

Figure 3 is an enlarged horizontal sectional view of the device and ladder.

Figure 4 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view of the device and latter.

Figure 5 is an enlarged perspective view of one of the double hook members and the rung bracket.

Figure 6 is an enlarged perspective View of another embodiment of a double hook member.

Referring to the drawings, in which the preferred embodiments of my invention are illustrated, l designates a standard ladder and 2 are the rungs thereof.

The ladder step device comprises two double hook members 3. Each double hook member is formed from a single piece of metal and is provided with an upper hook portion and a lower hook portion 5; portions 3 and i being integral with a horizontal tread portion 6. Formed on the upper end of hook portion ii is a springy hook 1. On the lower end of hook portion 5 is a U-shaped hook 9.

A rung bracket ii! is formed from a single piece of material and comprises an inverted U-shaped portion H which is provided with flanges l2. Flanges i2 normall engage the under face of horizontal tread portion 6. On the horizontal tread portion 6 of the two double hook members 3 is a tread member l3. Suitable nails i i are passed through the flanges l2, tread portion 6, and enter the tread member !3 (Figure 4) whereby these parts are securely fastened together. The rung bracket Iii may be welded or otherwise fastened to the tread portion 6, if the operator desires.

Apertures l5 are formed in the tread member I3, near the front edge thereof and in these apertures are rings or links l5 which constitute part of chains ll. Each chain I] has its upper ring or link 18 normally over the springy hook-l (Figure 4) whereby the chain is securely held in position against accidental displacement. When the operator wishes to detach the chain from the springy hook I all that is necessary is to push inwardly on the outer end of said hook as shown by dotted lines l9, Figure 4, whereupon the chain is released from its fastened position. These chains perform a dual function, to wit: they strengthen the entire device by partly supporting the tread member l3, and they also act to lock the upper springy hooks l on the ladder rung, whereby the device cannot be accidentally displaced off the ladder.

The inverted U-shaped portions H constitute saddle portions that fit snugly upon one of the rungs 2, Figure 4.

The importance of the double hook structure of each member 3 is that both the upper and lower ends of the device are stable, and secure when the device is in position upon the ladder, Figures 1 and 2.

The chains ll constitute a lock for the device because when said chains are in their normal position the device cannot be accidentally moved upwardly whereby the device cannot be removed from its mounted position on the ladder until the chains are released from the springy, outwardlycurved hooks I.

In Figure 6 there is shown another embodiment wherein the horizontal tread portion 5* includes the structure of the rung bracket 50. That is to say, the horizontal tread portion 6 is provided with an integral inverted U-shaped portion H while the flanges [2 of rung bracket H) are an integral part of the tread portion 6 This structure (Figure 6) eliminates the employment of a separate rung bracket in constructing the complete device.

Therefore, in both embodiments, each double hook member 3 is provided with a horizontal tread portion having inverted U-shaped rung-engaging means.

While I have described the preferred embodi ments of my invention and illustrated the same in the accompanying drawings, certain minor changes or alterations may appear to one skilled in the art to which this invention relates during the extensive manufacture of the same, and I, 5

therefore, reserve the right to make such changes or alterations as shall fairly fall within the scope of the appended claims.

What I .claim.is;

1. In a devi'cew of the.c1ass described; the conr-x bination of a pair of hook members, each hook member comprising an upper hook portion and a lower hook portion, a tread portion connecting the inner ends of said upper and lower hookpora tions, a tread member on said tread portions a 2. In a device of the class described, the combinationrnofra pair .of: hook members-each hook membericomprising an upperhookiportion and lower, hook portion; a. :tread dportion comiecting theinneriends lobsaid upper-and lower hook portionssa tread'member onsaid-'treadmortions, said:

tread memberrprovidedrwith outer corners, rings in said tread member near said outer corners, chainsnhaving :theirrtinner.Lends mountedon said rings; and isaidxchains .having. their. outer ends left free; a spring-hook on the upper ends of each upperz hook portion, and saidrouter free ends of said-:chains ,detachably; .mounted. 'on said spring hooks;

3.;In azdevice of the .class;described; the combination.;of.- a :hook member,. said ".hookcmember comprising an upper hook portion and a lower hook portion, a tread portion connecting the inner ends of said upper and lower hook portions, a tread member on said tread portion, a spring hook on the upper end of said upper hook portion, and a flexible member fastened at one end to said tread member and detachably mounted at its other end upon said spring hook.

4..Inia. device, of the class described the combination: of a 'hook member; saidthook member comprising an upper hook portion and a lower hook portion, a horizontal tread portion integral with the inner ends of said upper and lower hook portions, tread means on said tread portion, a springy hook having an outwardly extending chain=receiving portion, said springy hook on the uppem'endOE-Tsaid; upper hook portion, and a chain fastened to said tread means and normally, detachably mounted on said outwardly extending chain-receiving portion of said springy hook,

J (DHN HOWARD: 'MOTT.

REFERENCES :CITED The following references "are of record in' the file-of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 387,259 Robb Aug .-'7,1888 407,079 Laskey July '16; 1889 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 201,330 1 Great, Britain Aug. 2, 1923- 

